Public Perception on the Role of Urban Green Infrastructure Development and Land Use Management in Rapidly Urbanized Countries: The Case of Hawassa City, Ethiopia

Abstract

Urban green areas are essential elements of cities and contribute to the quality of life in numerous ways by maintaining and regulating the environment. However, increased urbanization and development have placed urban green areas under extreme pressure, while unplanned urban growth has resulted in the loss of urban landscape and ecosystem. This study’s objective was the public perception on the role of urban green infrastructure and land use management. The 385 sample households were selected by using random sampling method. Descriptive and econometric analyses were used for analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data by using SPSS version 25. Among the major factors influencing the urban green infrastructure by respondents perception were education, income, family size, sex of respondent, marital status, type of employment, ownership of house, participation on public involvement, and frequency of visit to nearer planning which are significant variables in the model. Individuals visited the given green structure at least twice a week, and those not done it were 47.9% and 52.1%. The amount of individuals who visited it twice a week in positive perceivers was 64%, and the amount of those who have not done it was 36%. The Chi-square value of 10.9 was very big and telling us that the frequency of visit was determinant factor of perception. It is vital to keep in mind that while the built-up area and the agricultural areas are rising due to urbanization, the core-ecosystem land is being “eaten” as a result of the past and present land uses inside the administrative limits, as well as the services they provide. In the last 6 years, the rate at which the most precious ecosystems are disappearing has tripled. The population, which reflects the demand for these services and benefits, is still growing, putting more strain on the environment. The recommendations include: Public involvement in urban green space planning and development was determinant and core variable of the study. The government of the town administration should prepare the meeting. The result showed a high correlation between urban green planning and land use changes.